Have your say: What would you like to see major stadiums used for?

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Western Springs Stadium is set to be developed.

Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium is the latest stadium to be shaped around multiple uses in its future. What would you like to see major stadiums used for? Sports, events or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments.

This week, Auckland Council endorsed a proposal to develop Western Springs as a boutique bowl-style venue for concerts, festivals and sport, while continuing community use.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is set to invest up to $2.5 million in improvements, including semi-permanent staging for concerts and festivals of up to 30,000 people, and a sports set-up for crowds of up to 5000.

The decision comes as other major venues around the country are also being shaped around multiple uses.

In Christchurch, the city has just been handed the keys to One New Zealand Stadium, a project first proposed after Lancaster Park was badly damaged in the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

It took 2.4 million man-hours and $683 million, but Christchurch finally has its replacement for Lancaster Park. Dan Carter and local dignitaries celebrated the opening of the 30,000-seat One New Zealand Stadium.

The venue has 30,000 seats, can hold up to 36,000 for major concerts, and is designed to host more than 200 events a year.

The stadium’s first sports game is due on April 24, and it can host 15 concerts each year under its resource consent.

Eden Park is also set for change. The Government has announced planning rule changes allowing the venue to host up to 32 concerts a year, up from 12.

The updated settings also allow a wider range of events, including exhibitions, markets, fairs and community events.

Together, the three venues show major stadiums are being shaped as more than just sporting venues.

With venues in Auckland and Christchurch evolving, and Eden Park’s event options expanding, it raises a broader question about what New Zealanders want their big stadiums to be used for in the years ahead.

What would you like to see major stadiums in New Zealand used for? Let us know in the comments. If you’re using the Stuff app on iOS you’ll need to view Stuff.co.nz on a browser to view and post comments.